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Overview

A bright future for Mexico

After arriving in Canada as one of the hot favourites for the
title, Mexico went on to win their first four games, raising
expectations among their public of another world championship to
add to the one they won at U-17 level two years ago. At fate would
have it, though,
El Tri came up against defending champions Argentina in
the quarter-finals, and the dream ended there. Yet amid the
disappointment of their abrupt departure is the certainty that many
of their players will go on to make the grade at senior level and
continue to enthral an appreciative planet football.

Maximiliano Moralez's strike, which took a wicked deflection
off Julio Cesar Dominguez to leave Alfonso Blanco helpless in the
Mexican goal, not only settled Sunday's fiercely competitive
quarter-final in favour of the
Albiceleste, it also signalled the end of an era for a
generation of youth players who had taken Mexican football to
previously unscaled heights.

"We wanted to emulate what we'd done at U-17 level two
years, but it wasn't to be," says coach Jesus Ramirez.
"Nonetheless, I'm very proud of these lads. They gave
their all in every game and showed immense heart. That, more than
anything else, is what saddens me about our elimination," he
adds.

Chucho, as Ramirez is known in footballing circles, has
come a long way with this group of players, having first shaped
them into a team at U-15 level. "I've seen them mature,
learn, grow as a team and become men. We've won a lot of
trophies together, including the U-17 World Cup two years ago, so
no one need reproach themselves. The defeat pained me, but nothing
will ever take away the joy of having coached such an exceptional
bunch of lads."

A positive balanceIn a tournament replete with surprises, Mexico enjoyed an
almost impeccable campaign. Prior to their quarter-final defeat,
Ramirez's men had strung together four straight wins, against
Gambia, Portugal, New Zealand and Congo, scoring an impressive ten
goals and conceding just three. All told, the performances of
Giovanni Dos Santos and Co at Canada 2007 have many convinced that
the cream of this squad will be lighting up the ranks of the senior
national team in the medium term - reasons aplenty for the team to
hold its head high on returning to Mexico.

Team captain Patricio Araujo is one player who could see an
immediate return on his side's performances in recent weeks.
More than one publication has claimed the defender is destined for
an imminent move to one of England's top clubs. "Getting
knocked out really hurt the squad," the player says, "but
we're going home with our heads held high. What really saddens
me, though, is that some of us won't be back here when the side
next gets together."

Also making his last appearance for the U-20s is Giovanni Dos
Santos. The team's talisman and striker served notice of his
talent at the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005, but has gone
on to add explosive pace and finishing to his repertoire of skills.
Also leaving a lasting impression on fans in Canada were the superb
reflexes of keeper Alfonso Blanco, the defensive prowess of Efrain
Juarez, and the passionate commitment of Carlos Vela, who, despite
failing to get on the score sheet here, still made a noteworthy
contribution in attack.

Without doubt, we will be hearing more about these youngsters -
perhaps even at the 2008 Olympic Football Tournament in China. As
Ramirez himself says: "Mexican football can rest easy. These
young players will go on to form the base of the country's
senior team."